La toalla es de algodón.

to be

Breakdown of La toalla es de algodón.

• de: of
• la toalla: the towel
• el algodón: the cotton

Questions & Answers about La toalla es de algodón.

Why is the verb here es and not está?

Because we’re stating an inherent or permanent characteristic (the towel’s material). In Spanish, ser (conjugated as es) is used for essential qualities, while estar is reserved for temporary states, locations, emotions, and ongoing actions.

Why do we use de before algodón? Couldn’t we just say La toalla es algodón?

To indicate what something is made of, Spanish uses the structure ser + de + material. You cannot drop de; La toalla es algodón would sound unnatural. De algodón functions like a prepositional phrase specifying material.

Why is there no article (like el or uno) before algodón?

In the de + material construction, the noun naming the material stands alone, without an article. It works like an adjective: toalla de algodón, camisa de seda, anillo de oro—no extra article is needed between de and the material noun.

Could I say una toalla de algodón instead of la toalla es de algodón?